Understanding Psoriasis: What It Is, Why It Happens, and How to Support Healing Through Skin and Gut Health

Psoriasis is far more than a surface-level skin condition—it's a chronic autoimmune issue that can feel as confusing as it is frustrating. Characterized by inflamed, scaly patches of skin, psoriasis often shows up during times of stress or imbalance, leaving people wondering why it flares up and how to find relief that actually works.

At Dilarah Skin, we believe that healing starts with understanding. So let’s explore what psoriasis really is, what causes it, and how a holistic lifestyle—including diet, skincare, and emotional well-being—can support your body in healing from the inside out.

What Is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder that causes skin cells to regenerate too quickly. Normally, skin cells renew every 28–30 days, but with psoriasis, this process happens in just 3–7 days. This rapid turnover leads to a buildup of thick, scaly skin—often red, inflamed, itchy, and sometimes painful. It’s not contagious, but it can be life-altering for those who live with it. It most commonly affects the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back but can appear anywhere on the body.

What Causes It?

While the root cause lies in immune dysfunction, multiple triggers and contributing factors play a role in flare-ups:

Genetics – Family history increases risk.
Leaky gut + microbiome imbalance – A disrupted gut can worsen immune reactions.
Stress – Emotional and physical stress often triggers or worsens symptoms.
Infections – Especially strep throat or candida overgrowth.
Cold weather – Dry air can irritate and inflame already sensitive skin.
Harsh products – Soaps, detergents, and fragrances can act as irritants.
Medications – Some drugs may worsen the condition.
Diet – One of the most overlooked and underestimated factors.

Types of Psoriasis

There are several forms of psoriasis. The most common include:

Plaque Psoriasis – Thick red patches with silvery scales. This is the most widely experienced form.
Guttate Psoriasis – Small, red dots typically triggered by infection.
Inverse Psoriasis – Appears in folds like underarms, breasts, or groin, often shiny and red.
Pustular Psoriasis – White pustules on red skin—can be intense and painful.
Erythrodermic Psoriasis – Widespread, severe inflammation that needs immediate medical care.

How Diet Plays a Role in Psoriasis

Psoriasis is heavily influenced by what we eat. Certain foods increase systemic inflammation, while others support healing and balance.

Foods That Can Trigger Flares:

Gluten – Linked to increased gut permeability and inflammation.
Dairy – Especially processed or hormone-heavy dairy.
Nightshades – Like tomatoes, white potatoes, peppers, and eggplant.
Refined Sugar – Feeds inflammation and disrupts blood sugar balance.
Alcohol – Dehydrates and stresses the liver, which is essential in detoxification.
Processed seed oils – Canola, soybean, corn, and cottonseed oils are high in omega-6s that fuel inflammation.
Artificial additives – Red 40, Yellow 5, sodium benzoate, and MSG are known irritants for sensitive systems.

What to Eat Instead:

Wild-caught fish – Rich in omega-3s that calm inflammation.
Grass-fed meats & high-quality protein – Supports repair and hormone balance.
Bone broth – Full of collagen and amino acids to heal the gut lining.
Colorful vegetables & leafy greens – Loaded with antioxidants and fiber.
Berries – Fight oxidative stress.
Fermented foods – Sauerkraut, kefir, yogurt (if tolerated) for microbiome health.
Healthy fats – Avocado, coconut oil, olive oil, and ghee for skin and hormonal support.

Starting with an elimination diet—removing common triggers for 3–4 weeks, then reintroducing slowly—can be incredibly revealing and healing.

Topical Care for Psoriatic Skin

With the skin barrier compromised, your skincare needs to be deeply nourishing—not stripping.

Avoid conventional creams and lotions that contain:

Fragrances
Preservatives like parabens or formaldehyde
Sulfates and alcohols
Synthetic petroleum-based fillers

Instead, look for ingredients that support regeneration and calm inflammation, like:

Tallow-based balms – Naturally rich in vitamins A, D, E & K.
Herbal oils – Calendula, chamomile, neem, and sea buckthorn.
Beeswax & shea butter – Lock in moisture without clogging pores.

Lifestyle Support

Stress management – Meditation, journaling, therapy, breathwork.
Sleep – Aim for 7–9 hours of restorative rest.
Sunshine – Daily sunlight exposure boosts vitamin D and helps regulate immune response.
Salt baths – Epsom salt or Dead Sea salt soaks can soothe itching and reduce scaling.

At Dilarah Skin...

We believe that the skin is a reflection of the body’s inner world—and that with the right nourishment, healing is always possible.

Our products are formulated with high-quality, skin-loving oils, tallow, and botanical extracts designed for sensitive and acne-prone skin types. We don’t believe in fillers, preservatives, or harsh chemicals—just pure, whole ingredients your skin can recognize and trust.

Because when it comes to skincare, less is more, and quality always matters.